Artist Robert Graham’s “Torso” is a Rodeo Drive landmark. (photo by Brica Wilcox)

Rodeo Drive is kicking off 2022 with luxury retail sales and double-digit growth as fashion intersects with sports and art in Beverly Hills.

The iconic fashion thoroughfare welcomes visitors from around the world for Super Bowl LVI and the highly-anticipated Frieze Week, which will take place for the first time in Beverly Hills from Feb. 17-20. In celebration of the world-class events, as well as the Year of the Tiger and Valentine’s Day, newly-opened boutiques, exclusive pop-ups, artist and brand collaborations, fine dining and special hotel offerings are available in February.

“Rodeo Drive is bustling and we’re embracing 2022 with optimism and confidence,” Rodeo Drive Committee President Kathy Gohari said. “Rodeo Drive is the world’s most iconic, luxury fashion destination and we welcome the return of local and international visitors to a safe, healthy and one-of-a-kind experience along our palm-dotted street. It’s truly the street of dreams – with more than 100 of the most desirable, vibrant and forward-thinking brands, exclusive pop-ups, legendary art, architecture and hospitality, and the unique conditions and allure that only Beverly Hills and the California climate can offer year-round.”

The convergence of fashion and sports has created a platform for sports figures to express themselves as leading voices in socio-political and cultural conversations, and is a force for leading fashion brands. The Super Bowl has drawn fashion houses around the world and on Rodeo Drive to dress halftime show performers and create exclusive custom items for the game, among them Celine, Dior and Versace. MCM, whose Rodeo Drive boutique will feature the new Mena capsule collection of handbags, is presenting a celebrity-studded pregame evening with performances by The Kid LAROI, Kascade, Iann Dior, Tinashe, Lil Jon and house DJ Brody Jenner at the MCM x Rolling Stone Live Big Game Experience.

For Frieze Week attendees in Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive is the go-to high fashion shopping stop. The 14-foot sculpture “Torso,” by artist Robert Graham, is a landmark at the intersection of Rodeo Drive and Dayton Way. Carved from solid aluminum blocks and mounted on a bronze pedestal, the work was commissioned by the Rodeo Drive Committee and donated to the city of Beverly Hills in 2003 as the centerpiece for the Rodeo Drive Walk of Style, which honors Giorgio Armani, Valentino Garavani and Rodeo Drive “Godfather” Fred Hayman, among others, for their contributions to fashion and design.

At Saint Laurent, an exhibition titled “55 Sunrises” by Japanese artist Sho Shibuya is part of a commission by creative director Anthony Vaccarello. Shibuya’s 55 paintings are on display in Saint Laurent Rive Droite stores, and 28 of the artworks are unique to the Rodeo Drive store, where they are offered for sale through Feb. 16.

At Fendi, a pop-up installation takes its cues from the spring and summer 2022 collection. The rooftop of FENDI HQ, Palazzo della Civilta Italiana, was transformed into a catwalk. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Feb. 27, the Rodeo Drive pop-up features the latest arrivals for men set against a colorful backdrop.

The Hacker Project, a Balenciaga and Gucci collaboration created by Balenciaga’s creative director, Demna Gvasalia, and Gucci’s Alessandro Michele, poses questions about authenticity and appropriation. Pieces emblazoned with the names of the fashion brands are available at both Rodeo Drive boutiques.

Shinobi Menswear, a new store located at Two Rodeo Drive, was originally conceived in Kyoto, Japan, as a fabricator of handmade shoes. The brand now features elegant menswear with a unique twist.

Plans also call for a new three-story Dior boutique with a restaurant, outdoor dining and courtyards on every level in place of the Parisian fashion and luxury house’s existing men’s store at 319 N. Rodeo Drive.

For Valentine’s Day, enjoy an exclusive Beverly Wilshire signature facial or body treatment at the Beverly Wilshire Spa, and give David Yurman pendants and necklaces to a loved one. Reserve Valentine’s Day dinner on the terrace at 208 Restaurant, where a four-course menu will include walnut pesto palmier amuse-bouche, Kushi oysters, a special tomahawk steak for two and decadent opera cake for dessert.

Those not yet ready to travel and explore Rodeo Drive in person can also step into a digital reality with the new third season of “Rodeo Drive – The Podcast,” set to launch in March.

For information, visit rodeodrive-bh.com.